Indore, Oct 1 (NationPress) Ashleigh Gardner shone brightly with a match-winning 115 as Australia commenced their title defence in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup with a decisive 89-run victory over New Zealand in the inaugural women’s international match at the Holkar Stadium here on Wednesday.

Choosing to bat first, a mid-innings stumble caused by Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu saw Australia dip from 108/2 to 128/5. However, Ashleigh’s stunning 115 off 83 balls laid the groundwork for Australia’s formidable total of 326, achieved in 49.3 overs. This remarkable innings marked her first World Cup century and second in ODIs, serving as the backbone of Australia’s resurgence.

With 16 fours and a six at a strike rate of 138.55, Ashleigh formed crucial partnerships of 64, 47, and 69 with Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth, respectively. She struck the ball cleanly, punishing any loose deliveries and making history as the first player to score a century while batting at number six or lower in a women's ODI World Cup.

On the New Zealand side, pacers Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr each claimed three wickets, while Amelia Kerr and Bree Illing took two wickets each. In defending the total, supported by incisive spells from Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland, who also took three wickets each, Australia bowled out New Zealand for 237 in 43.2 overs, marking their 16th consecutive ODI win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

Sophie’s run-a-ball 112, featuring 12 fours and three sixes, was the standout for the White Ferns and kept them in the contest. With this innings, she became the fourth woman to reach 4,000 women’s ODI runs for New Zealand.

After opting to bat first, captain Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield set a brisk pace with an 81-run opening partnership, with the latter thrilling a crowd of 8,900 by scoring a rapid 45 off 31 balls. Alyssa fell to a cover catch off Bree Illing’s bowling, while Phoebe’s off-stump was rattled by a googly from Amelia.

Phoebe's dismissal was a significant moment for Amelia, marking her 100th wicket in women’s ODIs, making her only the third New Zealand bowler to achieve this milestone. With Lea and Amelia taking three more wickets collectively, Australia faced the risk of a low total.

However, Ashleigh and the lower-order batters mounted a remarkable comeback, ensuring Australia surpassed the 300-run mark for the first time in the tournament. New Zealand’s chase of 327 began poorly, losing two wickets within the first two overs.

Georgia Plimmer was run out for a duck on the last ball of the opening over due to a mix-up with Suzie Bates, who also fell for a duck after an inside edge from Sophie Molineux deflected onto the stumps.

Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine steadied the innings with a promising 75-run partnership, providing New Zealand with hope for a recovery. Yet, Australia regained control thanks to leg-spinner Alana King, who struck twice to dismiss Amelia and Brooke Halliday, leaving Sophie without support.

New Zealand's troubles worsened when Maddy Green was run out in another mix-up, their second such dismissal of the innings. Izzy Gaze then provided a spirited cameo of 28, sharing a 50-run stand with Sophie to keep the chase alive. However, as the required run rate increased, Izzy fell attempting to clear long-on, handing Molineux her second wicket.

Annabel decisively swung the contest in Australia’s favour with three wickets in the 43rd over, dismissing Sophie, who had reached her ninth ODI century with a six, along with Jess Kerr and Eden Carson, leaving New Zealand with little resistance in the final stages.

Sophie Molineux concluded the innings by dismissing Bree Illing, sealing an emphatic 89-run triumph for Australia, the reigning champions, who have firmly established themselves as leading contenders to retain their title.

Brief scores:

Australia 326 all out in 49.3 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 115, Phoebe Litchfield 45; Lea Tahuhu 3-42, Jess Kerr 3-59) defeated New Zealand 237 all out in 43.2 overs (Sophie Devine 112, Amelia Kerr 33; Sophie Molineux 3-25, Annabel Sutherland 3-26) by 89 runs.